Image-processing device and method, program, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image-processing device adapted to the increased types of color printers without excessive manpower.  
     A common color correction unit ( 42 ) carries out a conversion (color correction or customization) common to the models of color printers. Therefore, the method for conversion does not need to be changed depending on the type of color printer. As a result, color correction mode-adapted LUTs ( 522   a  to  522   n ), stored color correction LUTs ( 524   a  to  524   n ), and light source correction LUTs ( 526   a  to  526   n ) needed for the common color correction unit ( 42 ) do not increase even if the models of color printers increase, and common LUTs can be used. Consequently, the manpower needed to fabricate the color correction mode-adapted LUTs ( 522   a  to  522   n ), stored color correction LUTs ( 524   a  to  524   n ), and light source correction LUTs ( 526   a  to  526   n ) does not increase even if the models of printers increase, so that the image-processing device can be adapted to an increase of the models of color printers without excessive manpower.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to desired image processing appliedto an image input signal supplied for an image output device such as acolor printer.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, color print has been carried out by transmittingcolor image data from a personal computer to a color printer. At thispoint, the RGB data generated by the personal computer is converted toCMYK data based on a color correction table (LUT: Look Up Table).

[0003] However, since there are various types of the image outputdevices, it is necessary to apply processing to the CMYK data accordingto the respective image output device. In addition, it is necessary toprepare the color correction table respectively for a medium on whichprinting is carried out such as paper on which the color printer appliesprinting, the resolution, and a color correction mode. Therefore, asmany color correction tables as a number obtained by multiplying thenumber of types of the media, the resolutions, and the color correctionmodes by each other are necessary. The number of types of the media, theresolutions, and the color correction modes increases as the number ofthe models of the color printers is increasing recently, and thus themanpower for preparing the color correction LUTs are excessive.

[0004] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention isto provide image-processing device and method, a program, and arecording medium which can carry out a proper image processing withoutexcessive manpower even if the models of image output devices such as acolor printer increase.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0005] According to the present invention described in claim 1, animage-processing device referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device and a color correction table independent to imageoutput devices to apply desired color correction to color image data,includes: a common color correction unit using the color correctiontable independent to the image output devices to apply color correctioncommon to the image output devices to the color image data; and anindividual color correction unit using the color correction tableadapted to the image output device to apply color correction determinedby the image output device to the color image data.

[0006] The common color correction unit carries out conversions commonto the image output devices. Namely, it is not necessary to change theway of the conversions depending on the model of the image outputdevices. Therefore, even if the models of the image output devicesincrease, the LUT and the like required for the common color correctionunit do not increase, and the common LUT and the like can be used Thus,since the manpower to create the LUT referred by the common colorcorrection unit remain the same even when the models of the image outputdevices increase, it is possible to meet the increase of the models ofthe image output devices without excessive manpower.

[0007] According to the present invention described in claim 2, animage-processing device referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a storedcolor, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,includes: an individual color correction unit using the color correctiontable adapted to the image output device to apply color correctiondetermined by the image output device to the color image data; a storedcolor correction unit using the color correction table for the storedcolor to apply desired color correction to the color image data; and anoutput color characteristic determination color correction unit usingthe color correction table for determining the output colorcharacteristic to apply color correction adapted to the output colorcharacteristic to the color image data.

[0008] According to the present invention described in claim 3, animage-processing device referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a lightsource, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,includes: an individual color correction unit using the color correctiontable adapted to the image output device to apply color correctiondetermined by the image output device to the color image data; a storedcolor correction unit using the color correction table for correctingthe light source to apply color correction eliminating influence fromthe light-source to the color image data; and an output colorcharacteristic determination color correction unit using the colorcorrection table for determining the output color characteristic toapply color correction adapted to the output color characteristic to thecolor image data.

[0009] According to the present invention described in claim 4, animage-processing device using one or more color correction tablesadapted to an image output device and one or more color correctiontables independent to image output devices to apply desired colorcorrection to color image data, includes: a color correction tablecombination unit for combining the one or more color correction tablesadapted to the image output device and the one or more color correctiontables independent to the image output devices to generate a singlecombined color correction table, wherein desired color correction isapplied to the color image data by referring to the combined colorcorrection table.

[0010] The present invention described in claim 5, is theimage-processing device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein thecolor correction table adapted to the image output device includes acolor correction table independent to output control and a colorcorrection table adapted to the output control.

[0011] The present invention described in claim 6, is theimage-processing device according to claim 4 further including: a colorcorrection table specification unit for specifying color correctiontables to be combined, wherein the color correction table combinationunit combines only the color correction tables specified by the colorcorrection table specification unit.

[0012] According to the present invention described in claim 7, animage-processing method referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device and a color correction table independent to imageoutput devices to apply desired color correction to color image data,includes: a common color correction step using the color correctiontable independent to the image output devices to apply color correctioncommon to the image output devices to the color image data; and anindividual color correction step using the color correction tableadapted to the image output device to apply color correction determinedby the image output device to the color image data.

[0013] According to the present invention described in claim 8, animage-processing method referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a storedcolor, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,includes: an individual color correction step using the color correctiontable adapted to the image output device to apply color correctiondetermined by the image output device to the color image data; a storedcolor correction step using the color correction table for the storedcolor to apply desired color correction to the color image data; and anoutput color characteristic determination color correction step usingthe color correction table for determining the output colorcharacteristic to apply color correction adapted to the output colorcharacteristic to the color image data.

[0014] According to the present invention described in claim 9, animage-processing method referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a lightsource, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,includes: an individual color correction step using the color correctiontable adapted to the image output device to apply color correctiondetermined by the image output device to the color image data; a storedcolor correction step using the color correction table for correctingthe light source to apply color correction eliminating influence fromthe light source to the color image data; and an output colorcharacteristic determination color correction step using the colorcorrection table for determining the output color characteristic toapply color correction adapted to the output color characteristic to thecolor image data.

[0015] According to the present invention described in claim 10, animage-processing method using one or more color correction tablesadapted to an image output device and one or more color correctiontables independent to image output devices to apply desired colorcorrection to color image data, includes: a color correction tablecombination step for combining the one or more color correction tablesadapted to the image output device and the one or more color correctiontables independent to the image output devices to generate a singlecombined color correction table, wherein desired color correction isapplied to the color image data by referring to the combined colorcorrection table.

[0016] The present invention described in claim 11, is a program ofinstructions for execution by the computer to perform animage-processing referring to a color correction table adapted to animage output device and a color correction table independent to imageoutput devices to apply desired color correction to color image data,the program including: a common color correction step using the colorcorrection table independent to the image output devices to apply colorcorrection common to the image output devices to the color image data;and an individual color correction step using the color correction tableadapted to the image output device to apply color correction determinedby the image output device to the color image data.

[0017] The present invention described in claim 12, is a program ofinstructions for execution by the computer to perform animage-processing referring to a color correction table adapted to animage output device, a color correction table for correcting a storedcolor, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,the program including: an individual color correction step using thecolor correction table adapted to the image output device to apply colorcorrection determined by the image output device to the color imagedata; a stored color correction step using the color correction tablefor the stored color to apply desired color correction to the colorimage data; and an output color characteristic determination colorcorrection step using the color correction table for determining theoutput color characteristic to apply color correction adapted to theoutput color characteristic to the color image data.

[0018] The present invention described in claim 13, is a program ofinstructions for execution by the computer to perform animage-processing referring to a color correction table adapted to animage output device, a color correction table for correcting a lightsource, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,the program including: an individual color correction step using thecolor correction table adapted to the image output device to apply colorcorrection determined by the image output device to the color imagedata; a stored color correction step using the color correction tablefor correcting the light source to apply color correction eliminatinginfluence from the light source to the color image data; and an outputcolor, characteristic determination color correction step using thecolor correction table for determining the output color characteristicto apply color correction adapted to the output color characteristic tothe color image data.

[0019] The present invention described in claim 14, is a program ofinstructions for execution by the computer to perform animage-processing using one or more color correction tables adapted to animage output device and one or more color correction tables independentto image output devices to apply desired color correction to color imagedata, the program including: a color correction table combination stepfor combining the one or more color correction tables adapted to theimage output device and the one or more color correction tablesindependent to the image output devices to generate a single combinedcolor correction table, wherein desired color correction is applied tothe color image data by referring to the combined color correctiontable.

[0020] The present invention described in claim 15, is acomputer-readable medium having the program according to any one ofclaims 11-14.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram for showing a hardware constitution ofthe image processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing a constitution of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed constitution of acolor correction unit (color correction device) 40 and a colorcorrection LUT recording unit 50 according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the constitution of a colorcorrection unit (color correction device) 40 and a color correction LUTrecording unit 50 according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] The following section describes preferred embodiments of thepresent invention while referring to Figures.

[0026] Hardware Constitution

[0027]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of aconcrete hardware constitution of the image processing apparatusaccording to the present invention.

[0028] The present embodiment employs a computer system as an example ofhardware for the image processing apparatus. FIG. 1 shows the computersystem as a block diagram. The computer system is provided with ascanner 11 a, a digital still camera 11 b, and a video camera 11 c asimage input devices, and they are connected with a computer main unit12. The individual input devices generate an image data where an imageis represented by pixels arranged as dot matrix, and provide thecomputer main unit 12 with the image data, where the image datarepresents about 16,7 million colors by 256-gradation display in threeprimary colors including R, G, and B.

[0029] A floppy disk drive 13 a, a hard disk drive 13 b, and a CD-ROMdrive 13 c are connected with the computer main unit 12 as externalauxiliary storage apparatuses, the hard disk 13 b stores base programsrelating to the system, and necessary programs are read from a floppydisk and a CD-ROM as required A modem 14 a is connected for connectingthe computer main unit 12 with an external network or the like as acommunication device, and software and data are downloaded forintroduction by connecting to the external network through a publiccommunication line. In this example, though the modem 14 a is used forthe external access through the telephone line, a constitution foraccess to a network through a LAN adaptor is also possible. In addition,a keyboard 15 a and a mouse 15 b are connected for operating thecomputer main unit 12.

[0030] The computer main unit 12 is provided with a display 17 a and acolor printer 17 b as image output devices. The display 17 a is provideswith a display area including 800 pixels in the horizontal direction and600 pixels in the vertical direction, and 16,7 million colors aredisplayed on the individual pixels. This resolution is an example, andthe resolution may be changed to 640×480 or 1024×768 as needed.

[0031] The color printer 17 b is an ink jet printer, and prints an imageon a print sheet as a medium with color ink of four colors including C,M, Y. and K. As image resolution, high density print such as 360×360 dpior 720×720 dpi is available, and as gradation representation,two-gradation representation by selecting whether attaching the colorink or not is available. A predetermined program is running on thecomputer main unit 12 to obtain an image through the image inputdevices, and to display or to provide on the image output device. Anoperating system (OS) 12 a operates as a base program, and a displaydriver CDSP DRV) 12 b and a printer driver (PRT DRV) 12 c are integratedinto the operating system 12 a. The drivers 12 b and 12 c depend on themodels of display 17 a and the color printer 17 b, and are added to orchanged in the operating system 12 a according to the models. It is alsopossible to realize a feature in addition to a standard processingdepending on the models. In other words, different additional processesare realized in a permissible range while a common processing system ismaintained on a standard system as the operating system 12 a.

[0032] As a prerequisite for running the program, the computer main unit12 is provided with a CPU 12 e, a RAM 12 f, a ROM 12 g, an I/O 12 h andthe like, and the CPU 12 e executes the base program written in the ROM12 g as needed while using the RAM 12 f as a temporary work area orspecified memory area, or a program area, and controls the externalapparatuses connected through the I/O 12 h and internal apparatuses.

[0033] The application 12 d is executed on the operating system 12 a,which serves as the base program. Contents of the processing inapplication 12 d vary, and include monitoring the operation of keyboard15 a and the mouse 15 b as operating devices, properly controlling thedifferent external apparatuses, executing corresponding calculation andthe like when they are operated, and displaying or providing a processedresult on the display 17 a or the color printer 17 b.

[0034] The computer system obtains image data through the scanner 11 aas an image input device, performs a predetermined image processing withthe application 12 d, and show the processed result as output on thedisplay 17 a or the color printer 17 b, which serve as image outputdevices.

[0035] In the present invention, though the image processing apparatusis realized as a computer system, the computer system is not necessarilyrequired, and a system that applies the process required in the presentinvention to similar image data is possible. A system where an imageprocessing system for performing the image processing of presentinvention is integrated in a digital still camera, and image data afterthe image processing are used for printing through a color printer ispossible. For a color printer, which obtains image data and printswithout a computer system, it is possible to constitute such that theimage processing of present invention is automatically applied on imagedata obtained through a scanner, a digital still camera, modem or thelike and printing is processed.

[0036] The present invention is naturally applicable to differentapparatuses for handling image data such as a color facsimile apparatus,a color copy apparatus or a projector as well.

[0037] Image-Processing Control Program

[0038] An image-processing control program according to the presentinvention is usually recorded in a form readable by the computer 12 on arecording medium such as a floppy disk and a CD-ROM for circulation. Theprogram is read by a medium reading device (such as the CD-ROM drive 13c and the floppy disk drive 13 a), and is installed on the hard disk 13b. The program is constituted such that the CPU then properly reads adesired program from the hard disk 13 b so as to carry out desiredprocessing. Note that the image-processing control program itselfaccording to the present invention constitutes a part of the presentapplied invention.

[0039] First Embodiment

[0040]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the constitution of animage-processing device 1 according to a first embodiment. Theimage-processing device 1 is provided with a color correction unit(color correction device) 40 and a color correction LUT recording unit50. The image-processing unit 1 applies desired processing to an RGBimage signal supplied from a color image data generation unit 20 such asa scanner, a digital camera, and an application program, and suppliesthe printer 17 b serving as an image output device with the result. Inthe present embodiment, description is given of a case where the imageoutput device is a printer.

[0041] The color correction unit (color correction device) 40 convertsthe RGB image data output from the color image data generation unit 20into image output device-adapted color image data (CMYK color spacedata) adapted to the printer 17 b. The color correction unit 40 readsout a color correction LUT (Look Up Table: reference table) indicating aconversion rule for converting the color image data to the image outputdevice-adapted color image data from the color correction LUT recordingunit 50, and refers to the read-out color correction LUT to convert thecolor image data into the image output device-adapted color image data.The color correction LUT recording unit 50 stores the color correctionLUT (Look Up Table: reference table) indicating the conversion rule forconverting the color image data into the image output device-adaptedcolor image data.

[0042]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed constitution of thecolor correction unit (color correction device) 40 and the colorcorrection LUT recording unit 50.

[0043] The color correction unit 40 is provided with a common colorcorrection unit 42 and an individual color correction unit 44. The colorcorrection LUT recording unit 50 stores multiple color correctionmode-adapted LUTs 522 a to 522 n, multiple stored color correction LUTs524 a to 524 n, multiple light source correction LUTs 526 a to 526 n,multiple gamut conversion LUTs 542 a to 542 n, multiple medium-adaptedconversion LUT 544 a to 544 n, and multiple output control-adaptedconversion LUTs 546 a to 546 n.

[0044] The common color correction unit 42 is provided with a colorcorrection mode-adapted conversion section 422, and a customizationsection (stored color correction means and light source correctionmeans) 424, and applies image processing common to the models of theprinters 17 b to the RGB color image data so as to convert the data intoLab color image data.

[0045] The color correction mode-adapted conversion section 422 refersto the color correction mode-adapted LUTs 522 a to 522 n so as to applyvarious color correction processes, which cause a conversion common tothe models of the printers and which are adapted to a color correctionmode of determining an output color characteristic, to the RGB colorimage input data, thereby converting the RGB color image input data intoL′a′b′ color image data. For example, the color correction processesinclude a color correction process causing a natural hue suitable forprinting a photograph, and a color correction process causing a dark huesuitable for printing a chart. In the present embodiment, there existmultiple color correction modes, and the color correction mode-adaptedLUTs 522 a to 522 n respectively adapt to the individual colorcorrection modes. Since the color correction modes are common to themodels of the printers 17 b, the number of the color correctionmode-adapted LUTs 522 does not increase even when the models of theprinters 17 b increase.

[0046] The customization section 424 applies desired stored colorcorrection and light source correction to the color image data convertedinto the L′a′b′ format. Namely, the customization section 424corresponds to the stored color correction means or the light sourcecorrection means. An output from the customization section 424 serves asan output from the common color correction unit 42.

[0047] The customization section 424 serving as the stored colorcorrection means applies the stored color correction while referring tothe stored color correction LUTs 524 a to 524 n. A stored color impliesa color which a human clearly memorizes with accompanying preoccupation.For example, the stored colors include the color of the human skin, theblue of the sky, and the yellow of the lemon. A human can distinguisheven a slight difference in the stored color. Thus, it is preferable toconvert color image data within a predetermined range in the color spaceintended for representing a stored color to color image datarepresenting that stored color.

[0048] For example, it is assumed that Lab values for a certain storedcolor are L=a=b=50. Simultaneously, if the ranges of color image datainput to the customization section 424 serving as the stored colorcorrection means are 40≦L′≦60, 40≦a′≦50, and 40≦b′≦50, the customizationsection 424 is constituted such that it determines that the color imagedata is color image data representing the stored color image data whoseLab values are L=a=b=50, and then, the L′a′b′ values are converted toL=a=b=50.

[0049] In addition, the customization section 424 serving as the lightsource correction means applies light source correction while referringto the light source correction LUTs 526 a to 526 n. The light sourcementioned here means a light source illuminating a medium such as printsheet on which a color output from the printer 17 b is reproduced. Evenif the same color is reproduced on the medium, an appeared color changesdepending on the light source. For example, the appeared color changesbetween a case where a color reproduced on a medium is viewed under thenatural light and a case where the color reproduced on the medium isviewed under the fluorescent. Thus, a light source is selected as areference (such as natural light), and color image data is corrected soas to eliminate a difference between the color of the reference lightsource and the color of a light source (such as a fluorescent) actuallyilluminating the medium.

[0050] Note that the stored color correction LUTs 524 a to 524 n and thelight source correction LUTs 526 a to 526 n are common to the models ofthe printers 17 b. Thus, even when the models of the printers 17 bincrease, the number of the stored color correction LUTs 524 a to 524 nand the light source correction LUTs 526 a to 526 n does not increase.

[0051] The individual color correction unit 44 applies color correctionprocess determined by the model of the printer 17 b to the Lab colorimage data output from the common color correction unit 42 so as toconvert the Lab color image data into the CMYK color image data.

[0052] The individual color correction unit 44 is provided with a gamutconversion section 442, a medium-adapted conversion section 444, and anoutput control-adapted conversion section 446. The gamut conversionsection 442 corresponds to first individual color correction means, themedium-adapted conversion section 444 and the output control-adaptedconversion section 446 correspond to second individual color correctionmeans.

[0053] The gamut conversion section (first individual color correctionmeans) 442 carries out a conversion independent to the output control(resolution) of the medium and the printer 17 b in the Lab color space.Namely, the gamut conversion section 442 refers to the gamut conversionLUTs 542 a to 542 n to apply a gamut conversion to the color image dataoutput from the common color correction unit 42 so that the color imagedata after the gamut conversion fits into a color space rangereproducible by the printer 17 b.

[0054] The medium-adapted conversion section (second individual colorcorrection section) 444 and the output control-adapted conversionsection (second individual color correction section) 446 correspond tothe second individual color correction means which applies a conversiondetermined by the output control for the medium and-the printer 17 b tothe output from the gamut conversion section 442 for supplying anoutput.

[0055] The medium-adapted conversion section (second individual colorcorrection section) 444 refers to the medium-adapted LUTs 544 a to 544 nto carry out a conversion adapted to the medium. Note that the mediummeans a medium such as print sheet on which a color output from theprinter 17 b is reproduced. In the present embodiment, it is assumedthat the medium-adapted conversion LUTs 544 respectively correspondingto multiple media for proper color reproduction are stored in the colorcorrection LUT recording unit 50. Note that the medium-adaptedconversion LUT 544 converts the color space from Lab to RGB.

[0056] The output control-adapted conversion section (second individualcolor correction section) 446 refers to the output control-adaptedconversion LUTs 546 a to 546 n to carry out a conversion adapted to themedium. Note that the output control carried out by the printer 17 bimplies setting the resolution for printing (whether dot with a constantsize or multi size dot (MSD)), for example. However, it is assumed thatthere exist two types of output control, and the output control-adaptedLUTs 546 correspond to the respective types of the output control Notethat the output control-adapted conversion LUT 546 converts the colorspace from RGB to CMYK.

[0057] The following section describes the operation of the firstembodiment.

[0058] The color correction unit 40 refers to the color correction LUTread out from the color correction LUT recording unit 50 to apply colorcorrection adapted to the printer 17 b to the color image data generatedby the color image data generation unit 20.

[0059] The common color correction unit 42 applies the conversionscommon to the printers 17 b to the color image data input to the colorcorrection unit 40. Namely, the color correction mode-adapted conversionsection 422 applies correction adapted to the color correction mode, andthe customizing section 424 applies the stored color correction or thelight source correction. At this point, the referred LUTs are the colorcorrection mode-adapted LUTs 522 a to 522 n, the stored color correctionLUTs 524 a to 524 n, and the light source correction LUTs 526 a to 526n. These are common to the models of the printers 17 b, and the numberof required LUTs does not increase even if the models of the printer 17bincrease.

[0060] The individual color correction unit 44 applies the conversionsdetermined by the printer 17 b to the color image data converted by thecommon color correction unit 42. First, the gamut conversion section 442applies the gamut conversion so as to fit the color image data into therange of the color space which can be output by the printer 17 b. Then,the medium-adapted conversion section 444 carries out the conversionadapted to the medium, and the output control-adapted conversion section446 carries out the conversion adapted to the output control. At thispoint, the LUTs to be referred to include the gamut conversion LUTs 542a to 542 n, the medium-adapted conversion LUTs 544 a to 544 n, and theoutput control-adapted conversion LUTs 546 a to 546 n. These varydepending on the model of the printer 17 b.

[0061] The output from the color correction unit 40 is transmitted tothe printer 17 b. The printer 17 b carries out print based on thesupplied image output device-adapted color image data.

[0062] With the first embodiment, the common color correction unit 42applies the conversions common to the models of the printers 17 b to thecolor image data and outputs the resultant color image data.Consequently, since the LUTs (color correction mode-adapted LUTs 522 ato 522 n, the stored color correction LUTs 524 a to 524 n, and the lightsource correction LUTs 526 a to 526 n) referred by the common colorcorrection unit 42 are common to the models of the printers 17 b, thenumber of the LUTs required by the common color correction unit 42 doesnot increase even when the models of the printers 17 b increase Thus,since the manpower to fabricate the LUTs referred by the common colorcorrection unit 42 remain the same even when the models of the printers17 b increase, it is possible to meet the increase of the models of theprinters 17 b without excessive manpower.

[0063] Second Embodiment

[0064] A second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in an LUTto be used, namely in combining conversion rules to generate a combinedcolor correction LUT.

[0065] The image-processing device 1 is provided with the colorcorrection unit (color correction device) 40 and the color correctionLUT recording unit 50. FIG. 4 shows the constitution of the colorcorrection unit (color correction device) 40 and the color correctionLUT recording unit 50 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, thesame reference numerals are assigned to the same constitution elementsas those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0066] The color correction unit (color correction device) 40 isprovided with the common color correction unit 42, the individual colorcorrection unit 44, and a combined color correction unit 48.

[0067] The common color correction unit 42 and the individual colorcorrection unit 44 read out LUTs stored in the color correction LUTrecording unit 50, output the LUTs to the combined color correction unit48, and do not carry out conversions of color image data by themselves.

[0068] The combined color correction unit 48 combines the multiple LUTstransmitted from the common color correction unit 42 and the individualcolor correction unit 44 to generate a combined color correction LUT.Then, the combined color correction unit 48 converts color image dataoutput from the color image data generation unit 20 into image outputdevice-adapted color image data, and outputs the resultant data to theprinter 17 b serving as the image output device. Note that combiningLUTs implies to generate a single LUT, which outputs the image outputdevice-adapted color image data when the color image data output fromthe color image data generation unit 20 is supplied as an input, basedon the multiple LUTs supplied from the common color correction unit 42and the individual color correction unit 44.

[0069] When the LUTs will be combined, it is preferable to specify LUTsto be actually used through the color correction LUT specification unit(not shown), and then to combine the specified LUTs. For example, whenit is specified that the color correction mode-adapted LUT 522 a, thelight source correction LUT 526 b, the gamut conversion LUT 542 b, themedium-adapted conversion LUT 544 b, and the output control-adaptedconversion LUT 546 a are used, it is preferable to combine only thoseLUTs. It is designated such that an LUT such as the color correctionmode-adapted LUT 522 b which is not specified is not combined The colorcorrection LUT recording unit 50 is provided with a common conversionLUT recording unit 52 and an individual conversion LUT recording unit54. The common conversion LUT recording unit 52 is provided with thecolor correction mode-adapted LUTs 522 a to 522 n, the stored colorcorrection LUTs 524 a to 524 n, and the light source correction LUTs 526a to 526 n. Similarly to the first embodiment, the color correctionmode-adapted LUTs 522 a to 522 n, the stored color correction LUTs 524 ato 524 n, and the light source correction LUTs 526 a to 526 n are thecommon conversion LUTs storing the conversion rules common to the modelsof the printer 17 b serving as the image output device. The individualconversion LUT recording unit 54 is provided with the gamut conversionLUTs 542 a to 542 n, the medium-adapted conversion LUTs 544 a to 544 n,and the output control-adapted conversion LUTs 546 a to 546 n. Similarlyto the first embodiment, the gamut conversion LUTs 542 a to 542 n, themedium-adapted conversion LUTs 544 a to 544 n, and the outputcontrol-adapted conversion LUTs 546 a to 546 n are individual conversionLUTs storing the conversion rules determined by the model of the printer17 b serving as the image output device.

[0070] The following section describes the operation of a secondembodiment.

[0071] Color image data generated by the color image data generationunit 20 is input to the color correction unit 40. The color correctionunit 40 reads out LUT from the color correction LUT recording unit 50,and carries out color correction adapted to the printer 17 b. Namely,the combined color correction unit 48 generates a single combined colorcorrection LUT from the multiple common conversion LUTs and the multipleindividual conversion LUTs, applies desired image-processing to thecolor image data supplied from the color image data generation unit 20based on the combined color correction LUT so as to generate imageoutput device-adapted color image data, and outputs the image outputdevice-adapted color image data to the printer 17 b serving as the imageoutput device.

[0072] According to the second embodiment, effects similar to those ofthe first embodiment are provided. Since the number of LUTs required bythe common color correction unit 42 does not increase even when themodels of the printers 17 b increase, the manpower to fabricate the LUTreferred by the common color correction unit 42 remain the same. Thus,it is possible to meet the increase of the models of the printers 17 bwithout excessive manpower. Further, since the color correction iscarried out based on the combined color correction LUT, it is possibleto reduce the number of references to the LUTs during the colorcorrection, and to quickly carry out the color correction.

1. An image-processing device referring to a color correction tableadapted to an image output device and a color correction tableindependent to image output devices to apply desired color correction tocolor image data, comprising: a common color correction means using saidcolor correction table independent to said image output devices to applycolor correction common to said image output devices to said color imagedata; and an individual color correction means using said colorcorrection table adapted to said image output device to apply colorcorrection determined by said image output device to said color imagedata.
 2. An image-processing device referring to a color correctiontable adapted to an image output device, a color correction table forcorrecting a stored color, and a color correction table for determiningan output color characteristic to apply desired color correction tocolor image data, comprising: an individual color correction means usingsaid color correction table adapted to said image output device to applycolor correction determined by said image output device to said colorimage data; a stored color correction means using said color correctiontable for said stored color to apply desired color correction to saidcolor image data; and an output color characteristic determination colorcorrection means using said color correction table for determining saidoutput color characteristic to apply color correction adapted to saidoutput color characteristic to said color image data.
 3. Animage-processing device referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a lightsource, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,comprising: an individual color correction means using said colorcorrection table adapted to said image output device to apply colorcorrection determined by said image output device to said color imagedata; a stored color correction means using said color correction tablefor correcting said light source to apply color correction eliminatinginfluence from said light source to said color image data; and an outputcolor characteristic determination color correction means using saidcolor correction table for determining said output color characteristicto apply color correction adapted to said output color characteristic tosaid color image data.
 4. An image-processing device using one or morecolor correction tables adapted to an image output device and one ormore color correction tables independent to image output devices toapply desired color correction to color image data, comprising: a colorcorrection table combination means for combining said one or more colorcorrection tables adapted to said image output device and said one ormore color correction tables independent to said image output devices togenerate a single combined color correction table, wherein desired colorcorrection is applied to said color image data by referring to saidcombined color correction table.
 5. The image-processing deviceaccording to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said color correction tableadapted to said image output device includes a color correction tableindependent to output control and a color correction table adapted tothe output control.
 6. The image-processing device according to claim 4further comprising: a color correction table specification means forspecifying color correction, tables to be combined, wherein said colorcorrection table combination means combines only said color correctiontables specified by said color correction table specification means. 7.An image-processing method referring to a color correction table adaptedto an image output device and a color correction table independent toimage output devices to apply desired color correction to color imagedata, comprising: a common color correction step using said colorcorrection table independent to said image output devices to apply colorcorrection common to said image output devices to said color image data;and an individual color correction step using said color correctiontable adapted to said image output device to apply color correctiondetermined by said image output device to said color image data.
 8. Animage-processing method referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a storedcolor, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,comprising: an individual color correction step using said colorcorrection table adapted to said image output device to apply colorcorrection determined by said image output device to said color imagedata; a stored color correction step using said color correction tablefor said stored color to apply desired color correction to said colorimage data; and an output color characteristic determination colorcorrection step using said color correction table for determining saidoutput color characteristic to apply color correction adapted to saidoutput color characteristic to said color image data.
 9. Animage-processing method referring to a color correction table adapted toan image output device, a color correction table for correcting a lightsource, and a color correction table for determining an output colorcharacteristic to apply desired color correction to color image data,comprising: an individual color correction step using said colorcorrection table adapted to said image output device to apply colorcorrection determined by said image output device to said color imagedata; a stored color correction step using said color correction tablefor correcting said light source to apply color correction eliminatinginfluence from said light source to said color image data; and an outputcolor characteristic determination color correction step using saidcolor correction table for determining said output color characteristicto apply color correction adapted to said output color characteristic tosaid color image data.
 10. An image-processing method using one or morecolor correction tables adapted to an image output device and one ormore color correction tables independent to image output devices toapply desired color correction to color image data, comprising: a colorcorrection table combination step for combining said one or more colorcorrection tables adapted to said image output device and said one ormore color correction tables independent to said image output devices togenerate a single combined color correction table, wherein desired colorcorrection is applied to said color image data by referring to saidcombined color correction table.
 11. A program of instructions forexecution by the computer to perform an image-processing referring to acolor correction table adapted to an image output device and a colorcorrection table independent to image output devices to apply desiredcolor correction to color image data, said program comprising: a commoncolor correction step using said color correction table independent tosaid image output devices to apply color correction common to said imageoutput devices to said color image data; and an individual colorcorrection step using said color correction table adapted to said imageoutput device to apply color correction determined by said image outputdevice to said color image data.
 12. A program of instructions forexecution by the computer to perform an image-processing referring to acolor correction table adapted to an image output device, a colorcorrection table for correcting a stored color, and a color correctiontable for determining an output color characteristic to apply desiredcolor correction to color image data, said program comprising: anindividual color correction step using said color correction tableadapted to said image output device to apply color correction determinedby said image output device to said color image data; a stored colorcorrection step using said color correction table for said stored colorto apply desired color correction to said color image data; and anoutput color characteristic determination color correction step usingsaid color correction table for determining said output colorcharacteristic to apply color correction adapted to said output colorcharacteristic to said color image data.
 13. A program of instructionsfor execution by the computer to perform an image-processing referringto a color correction table adapted to an image output device, a colorcorrection table for correcting a light source, and a color correctiontable for determining an output color characteristic to apply desiredcolor correction to color image data, said program comprising: anindividual color correction step using said color correction tableadapted to said image output device to apply color correction determinedby said image output device to said color image data; a stored colorcorrection step using said color correction table for correcting saidlight source to apply color correction eliminating influence from saidlight source to said color image data; and an output colorcharacteristic determination color correction step using said colorcorrection table for determining said output color characteristic toapply color correction adapted to said output color characteristic tosaid color image data.
 14. A program of instructions for execution bythe computer to perform an image-processing using one or more colorcorrection tables adapted to an image output device and one or morecolor correction tables independent to image output devices to applydesired color correction to color image data, said program comprising: acolor correction table combination step for combining said one or morecolor correction tables adapted to said image output device and said oneor more color correction tables independent to said image output devicesto generate a single combined color correction table, wherein desiredcolor correction is applied to said color image data by referring tosaid combined color correction table.
 15. A computer-readable mediumhaving the program according to any one of claims 11-14.